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5-Day Vermont Rail Trails Bike Tour

Pedal across Vermont on a car-free adventure that links three legendary rail trails, from the brand-new Lamoille Valley Rail Trail through charming small towns, to the Missisquoi and the Island Line's breathtaking causeway across Lake Champlain, with vibrant Burlington as your start and finish.

Start - End: Burlington - Burlington

Total trip: 5 days

Average group size: 12 people

from USD 3,099/pp including taxes and fees

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Trip Inquiry - 5-Day Vermont Rail Trails Bike Tour

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Trip Inquiry - 5-Day Vermont Rail Trails Bike Tour

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Cruise Vermont’s rail trails on a 5-day bike tour built for easy miles and big scenery. Covered bridges, cafés, and small-town charm included.

Vermont recently completed the longest rail trail in New England, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT), and this tour combines three trails for a fantastic car-free tour. You start and end in Burlington, enabling time to explore this vibrant city on the shores of Lake Champlain.


The tour starts with a shuttle across Vermont to the shores of the Connecticut River, where the LVRT starts in St. Johnsbury. You’ll spend three days crossing Vermont on the LVRT, passing through historic small towns and countryside. The fourth day is spent riding the full length of the Missisquoi Rail Trail, from Richmond near the Quebec border to St. Albans.


The final day’s ride finishes on the Island Line Rail Trail right back into downtown Burlington. The Island Line is a Rail Trails Association Hall of Fame Trail featuring several miles on a causeway in Lake Champlain. You can choose to ride the backroads of the Hero Islands from the hotel to the start of the trail or just ride on the no-car rail trail section.


Surfaces for this tour: 95% unpaved and 5% paved.

Trip Highlights

Day by day on tour

Find out what each day includes on the tour and check out the map below for the route you'll follow.

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The exploration of Vermont Rail Trails begins with an early pick up in Burlington and a 1.5-hour shuttle across the state to the Connecticut River in St. Johnsbury. The first 18 miles are mostly uphill at a 2 – 3% grade, taking you to the headwaters of the Lamoille River. The remainder of the day and most of the rest of the trip is either downhill or flattish. The majority of the climbing will be over when you reach Joe’s Pond at mile 15, where you take a lunch break at the Three Ponds diner. After a couple of more miles of slight climbing, the remainder of the days ride follows along the Lamoille River through farms and forests into Hardwick. After a break in Hardwick, a 30-minute shuttle takes you to the Outbound Stowe, on a rider overlooking Caspian Lake. Enjoy a welcome happy hour featuring Vermont Craft beers and then dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation: Outbound Stowe, Stowe
Meals: Lunch, Dinner 
 
Biking: 35.3 miles (56.8 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,875 feet (571 meters) ascent, 1,595 feet (486 meters) descent
Terrain: Railroad grade uphill for 2/3’s of the day 

Today’s ride is along the Lamoille River, downstream and almost entirely downhill. You go through several small, interesting towns, with great lunch and brewery options in Morrisville and Johnson. One of the day’s highlights is the ride through the Fisher covered railroad bridge in Wolcott, early in the day. The riding is again on a gravel rail trail through mostly farm fields and forests. In Johnson, you can also visit the Johnson Wollen Mills store, where wool clothing has been made and sold since 1842. After the ride, you’ll shuttle back to Stowe for an evening on your own in a lively quintessential Woodstock town.
Accommodation: OutBound Stowe, Stowe
Meals: Breakfast
 
Biking: 29.5 miles (47.5 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 631 feet (192 meters) ascent, 1,031 feet (314 meters) descent
Terrain: Downhill to flat 

Enjoy a tasty breakfast before shuttle back to Cambridge to begin today’s ride. This is the point on the LVRT where the trail leaves the Lamoille River and head across a low ridge to the Missisquoi River. You’ll then follow the trail along the Missisquoi River to the end of the LVRT in Swanton. You’ll have a late lunch in Swanton to celebrate the completion of the LVRT, then head to Montgomery Center. This evening we go to nearby Jay Peak Ski area for a ride on the gondola and dinner. After the ride, you’ll shuttle to Montgomery Center to the Phineas Swann bed and breakfast.
Accommodation: Phineas Swann Inn & Spa, Montgomery Center
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 
Biking: 31.2 miles (50.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 671 feet (205 meters) ascent, 1,015 feet (309 meters) descent
Terrain: Flat to rolling 

Today’s ride starts with either an 8 mile ride on roads and trails or an 8 mile shuttle to Richford, where we find the eastern end of the Missisquoi Rail Trail. You’ll ride the entire length of the trail on today’s 26 mile ride, stopping for a picnic lunch. The riding is through farm fields and forests, with colorful Sumac and Maples along the way You’ll stop for a picnic and then shuttle about 40 minutes to the North Hero Island in Lake Champlain. You’ll stay right on the water and enjoy the end of tour celebration dinner. 
Accommodation: North Hero House, North Hero
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
 
Biking: 36.5 miles (58.7 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,712 feet (522 meters) ascent, 1,884 feet (574 meters) descent
Terrain: Flat to rolling 

After another excellent breakfast, you can ride all the way back to Burlington along small roads on the islands and then the Island Line Rail Trail. If you just want to ride on trails with no cars, the last 10 miles of the day are for you. The ride crosses from the North Hero Island to South Hero Island, then shifts to even quieter backroads along the western side of the island. You’ll see great views of the Adirondacks to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. At the southern end of the islands, the Island Line Rail Trail begins with a four mile causeway. Along the way you’ll use a ferry to cross a very short distance where the draw bridge used to be located. The views from the causeway are spectacular, with water in every direction. Rolling into Burlington, the trail remains rural until just as you get into Burlington. You’ll finish the ride around noon at Hotel Vermont.  
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast 
 
Biking: 29.4 miles (47.3 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 890 feet (271 meters) ascent, 826 feet (252 meters) descent
Terrain: Rolling 

Inns

Outbound Stowe

Set at the edge of town with easy access to the area’s famed recreation paths, Outbound Stowe blends contemporary design with a relaxed mountain lodge atmosphere. Guests enjoy airy rooms, cozy gathering spaces, and a welcoming bar and restaurant. The property is surrounded by woodlands and mountain views, creating a peaceful base for the start of the journey.

North Hero House

The North Hero House is an historic, beautifully restored country inn. Nestled in the heart of a charming well-preserved 19th century village on Lake Champlain, the Inn has been welcoming guests since 1891 when they arrived by paddle wheel steamer. The inn features comfortable accommodations, a welcoming tavern, and broad porches that look out over the water. Its setting provides both tranquility and a sense of connection to the region’s island heritage.

Phineas Swann Inn

This charming inn captures the character of northern Vermont with its historic architecture and warm, eclectic décor. Known for its personal touches and attentive service, Phineas Swann offers inviting rooms and plenty of cozy nooks to unwind after a day of riding. The inn’s location in the small village of Montgomery Center makes it an intimate and memorable stop along the route.

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FAQs

On the first morning of the tour please meet at the Hotel Vermont at 8am. You are welcome to book your pre-tour stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Burlington, though you must make your own way to the pick-up point at the pre-designated time.

Your tour ends with a drop-off back at the Hotel Vermont at 3pm.

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Burlington at least the day before your tour starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your tour start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the tour, we recommend departing from Burlington after 5pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

If you plan to drive to the tour’s pick-up location, please ensure you arrange parking for the duration of your tour. If the pick-up point is a hotel, we recommend contacting them directly to inquire about parking availability. Keep in mind some hotels do not permit non-guests to park on-site, so you may need to find alternative parking options.

You’ll be fully supported throughout the tour with two experienced tour leaders — one riding alongside the group and another following in a support vehicle. The support van travels with you on all riding days, stocked with snacks and tools, and ready to help with repairs or provide a lift whenever needed.

Your tour leaders are there for more than just the cycling. They’re happy to assist with logistics, help arrange transport, and share local insights and recommendations to help you make the most of each stop along the way.

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What's included

  • 4 nights’ accommodation
  • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
  • You’re supported from start to finish by our highly experienced guides and leaders
  • Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • Delicious snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to keep you fueled
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Branded t-shirt and bag
  • Gravel bikes with drop handlebars, Hybrid with flat-bar handlebars, or E-Bikes - equipped with a front handlebar bag or rear carrier, branded water bottle, mirror, and flat pedals
  • Ride with GPS for navigation along with the detailed maps and itineraries
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
  • Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away
  • You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
  • “My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure

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